LAHORE (Kashmir English): Punjab is still in a critical flood situation as the authorities have issued a warning of extremely high flood levels in the rivers Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab till September 5.
High levels of flood have been observed at Trimmu in Chenab, Balloki, and Sadhnai in Ravi, and Head Sulemanki in Sutlej, where the flow of water has reached 516,000 cusecs and is increasing continuously.
Officials have warned that continued rains in the upper catchments may increase water inflows further into Punjab’s rivers.
Relief Commissioner Punjab corroborated that the threat of exceedingly high floods is still present in all three rivers until September 5, citing the necessity for precautionary work in susceptible districts.
In the meantime, water storage capacity in reservoirs is also nearing its limit.
Flood Forecasting Division informed that Tarbela Dam has attained 100 percent capacity at 1549.78 feet, and Mangla Dam is 83 percent full at 1226.50 feet. In Rawal Dam, water reached 1751.70 feet, and its spillways were opened by the authorities.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the Rawal Dam spillways had been opened at 7 a.m., and all concerned institutions had been warned beforehand.
NDMA also cautioned that the release of water would augment flows in the Korang Nullah.
The residents have been strictly told not to cross the nullah or temporary bridges because of the danger from moving water.
